Our agony aunt answers your questions. This month, the question is: How do you manage a mental health crisis with no support from family or NHS services?
Welcome to From Anon, Happiful’s monthly agony aunt column that gives you the opportunity to anonymously ask a qualified counsellor for advice and guidance on whatever’s been worrying you lately. This month, one reader wants to know how to manage a mental health crisis, when it feels like you have no support network.
How do you manage a mental health crisis with no support from family or NHS services?
Ayo says: I’m so sorry you’re going through this right now. To feel unsupported during such a difficult time will no doubt add to the feelings of isolation that tend to accompany mental health difficulties. However, please know that you are not alone – and there is help available.
I also hope that the absence of immediate care has not led you to believe that what you’re experiencing is not important enough, or as significant as others’ issues. If, at any point, it begins to feel urgent (due to perhaps suicidal ideation, harm to yourself or others, or psychosis) you can go to your local A&E department, call 999, contact NHS 111, or your GP for an emergency appointment. Call Samaritans on 116 123 if you need to talk to someone immediately.
Even under more manageable circumstances, you shouldn’t have to wait to access therapy, as there are a number of other free or low-cost options available. For example, Mind has more than 100 local Mind centres across England and Wales that run free mental health services. If you’re employed, you may have access to an Employee Assistance Programme – a fully confidential service that provides free sessions. Similarly, universities and colleges usually offer free student counselling. Several charities provide specialised therapy at no cost (e.g. Cruse for bereavement, Rape Crisis Centres, Women’s Trust for domestic abuse), or work with particular communities (e.g. Black Minds Matter UK, LGBT Foundation) and age groups (e.g. The Mix for under 25s, YMCA).
In addition to conventional talking therapies, there are numerous alternative approaches you may wish to consider (e.g. somatic experiencing), with many organisations and private practitioners offering reduced rates. It may also be worth talking to your GP about medication, and requesting a physical health examination to rule out any underlying health issues.
Lastly, I know it probably feels too overwhelming to do much at the moment, but consistent self-care including adequate sleep, gentle exercise, spending time in nature and sunlight, seeing friends, eating nourishing foods, limiting your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and other substances, and engaging in creative activities can all facilitate healing. Try to focus on one moment at a time, even if it’s just getting out of bed. Remember, what you're experiencing will eventually pass. Those difficult thoughts may feel very true right now, but they will loosen their grip once your mind and body receive the care they need.
Ayo Adesioye | Dip. Couns MBACP | Ayo is an integrative psychotherapist. Learn more about Ayo Adesioye by visiting her profile on the Counselling Directory.
Big or small, old or new, if something has been worrying you, submit an anonymous question to Ayo for the chance of seeing it answered in next month’s column.
If you could ask a counsellor anything, what would it be?
From Anon is not a replacement for professional support. If you are struggling, reach out to your GP, or a qualified counsellor on Counselling Directory.
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